Senior Sample Associate

  • Full-time
  • Department: Merchandising

Company Description

The Senior Sample Associate contributes to rue21’s results by overseeing incoming samples and manages the process requirements necessary to launch accurate and timely imagery within a high volume, fast-fashion business model. As the liaison between multiple cross-functional teams, this position provides critical logistical support and status updates for several company initiatives. The success of this role is dependent on organization, attention to detail, speed, and accuracy and the ability to manage all aspects associated with samples.
In summary, this position drives pre and postproduction sample efficiencies in pursuit of speed to market, while influencing multiple cross functional partners.

Job Description

• Commits to supporting rue21’s vision, mission, and values of an inclusive environment and sets an example for their team or sphere of influence.
• Track sample due dates to ensure samples flow as anticipated and are photographed before deadlines.  
• Identify missing samples and partner with cross-functional teams to retrieve them in a timely manner – elevating roadblocks.
• Proactively reduce the ‘OH NO’ list, by maintaining status reports and by providing cross-functional updates.
• Proactively reduce merchandise re-shoot rate and impact sustainability by increasing usage of items on hand.
• Supervise the flow of Speed-to-Market and First Insight goods, creating an efficient and streamlined process.
• Utilize product tracking tool to update all details in a timely manner for transparency across departments.
• Provide accurate incoming traffic reports for the photo studio to execute efficient model bookings and photoshoots.
• Track, receive, and process daily influx of samples from the PD and merchant team, while focused on speed and accuracy.
• Maintain orderly filing system for all photography initiatives by category and due date so items can be located quickly.
• Compile merchandising requests and provide an accurate summary to the Stylist per sample.
• Identify potential copy right, licensing, and offensive issues surrounding eCommerce merchandise.
• Track all ecom imagery in/out of the photo studio and provide status updates.
• Upload images in a timely manner to trigger the retouching and copy process.
• Monitor 3rd-party ecom fulfillment communications surrounding missing samples, RTV and quality control issues.
• Represent eCommerce as the PDT liaison to troubleshoot all issues regarding the style, becoming a subject matter expert.
• Assist eCommerce Customer Service in timely corrections to site errors.
• Focus efforts on sample stainability by managing excess samples and fulfilling marketing/pr’s requests.
• Lead the sample sustainability initiative by creating and implementing a process to effectively utilize and reduce our samples.

Qualifications

• Degree in Fashion with 2+ years’ relevant experience
• Knowledge of apparel and accessory terminology.
• Professionally effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem solving skills with ability to collect, organize, analyze, and present data – finding efficiencies and solutions to obstacles.
• Strong organizing and cataloging skills - able to take direction and apply initiative.
• Capacity to discern and apply independent judgement with respect to matters of significance.
• Ability to set priorities, adapt to change in direction, meet deadlines, and manage up.
• Critical attention to speed and accuracy.
• Resourcefulness, with the ability to positively impact timely resolutions in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Dependable sense of urgency, ownership, and initiative.
• Ability to operate independently while establishing effective partnerships with co-workers and internal teams.
• Optimism, resiliency, and openness to new ways of achieving tasks and streamlining measures.
• Maintains professionalism under pressure and while resolving conflicts. 
• Transparent communicator who receives/delivers constructive feedback in a professional manner.
• Team oriented with a resourceful and motivated approach to swiftly support department needs and company directive.

Additional Information

*Please be aware that the Company requires all employees who are required to travel for work regularly or sporadically to be vaccinated for COVID-19.  This position will require the successful candidate to show proof that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  The Company is an equal opportunity employer, and will provide reasonable accommodation to those individuals who are unable to be vaccinated consistent with federal, state, and local law.

WE OFFER

  • 401k
  • Competitive Benefits Package
  • Over 3 Weeks PTO After 1 Year
  • Casual Dress Code
  • Merchandise Discount
  • Great Work Culture

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